Public Forum:
On Oct. 29, Mayor Jeff Speaker presented this State of the City address. I would like to share some of my thoughts on some issues raised.
In 1994, Brookfield did not allow trees to be planted in medians in the city, citing safety concerns. As District 2 alderman, myself and other volunteers through the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program challenged that status quo argument by having professional plans developed, and garnering the public support necessary to have several medians planted on a trial basis. It was not long before our beautification project became the standard for our city medians. In his address to the city, Mayor Speaker rightly affirmed that the plantings in the South Calhoun Road medians are beautiful.
As a Common Council member (1992-98), I agreed then - as I still do - with the decision to study a Calhoun Road interchange at Interstate-94. This complicated decision has many interests to consider: local, regional, financial, zoning and others. This issue needs continued study, and I will not commit to a decision until the pertinent facts are explored and discussed properly. It may take years to gather the facts and have a meaningful discussion with the community about the matter, but budgeting time for adequate deliberation can only lead to a greater understanding of the issues.
Mayor Speaker did not speak clearly on this subject. Instead, he told the business audience they had to speak with one voice on the issue. What he thought that voice should be was unclear, although a veiled support for the interchange seemed implied by his comments. A complicated issue such as this has many concerns that go beyond the usual not-in-my-backyard mentality, and I cannot support forcing a change of this magnitude without substantial community support. The most frustrating thing about government is when it forces unpopular decisions upon citizens. It is better to delay action than to do harm by decree.
My experience as a former alderman has led me to use the following approach to divisive issues:
When our community is truly split on an issue, it is important not to force an abrupt decision. Rather, the city needs to take additional time and expend more effort to establish a basis for discussion and understanding of the ramifications of either choice. Difficult issues require time and significant effort from the public and private alike in order to arrive at a well-reasoned decision.
David Marcello
Brookfield mayoral candidate
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